Book Spotlight: Investigation of a Journalist by Danielle Grandinetti

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Investigation of a Journalist by Danielle Grandinetti, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Investigation of a Journalist
Series: Harbored in Crow's Nest #6
Author: Danielle Grandinetti
Publisher: Hearth Spot Press
Release Date: November 19, 2024
Genre: Christian Historical Romance/Suspense

A second chance to set the record straight, and rekindle a lost love. 

Wisconsin, 1931—Buck Wilson refuses to accept failure as his reward for all he has sacrificed, but he’s kept secrets for too long to be believed. With his freedom on the line, there’s only one person he trusts to mine for the true story: the woman he left one month before their wedding. 

All investigative journalist Caroline Wagoneer wants is to shine a light on the truth wherever darkness threatens to obscure it. Which is the only reason she agrees to help her ex-fiance when he begs for her to go undercover in Crow’s Nest. What she discovers paints Buck in a whole new light. 

With lies and rumor hemming them in, Buck and Caroline realize their love may be doomed on the altar of altruism. 

Unless love can truly conquer all. 

Welcome to Crow’s Nest, where danger and romance meet at the water’s edge.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy Directly From the Author | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

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Also Available

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Excerpt

“Caroline.” Her name on his lips emerged broken, just like him.

A variety of emotions danced across her round features before she shuttered them away. She was not overly tall, but neither was she short. Indeed, diminutive she was not. Dressed in her typical white blouse and black skirt, a tie at her throat, and a black eyebrow cocked, she looked like the warrior he knew her to be. Her dark hair was exactly as he remembered, pinned up with combs to soften the bob. She shifted. With one hand, she held the door open, but she relaxed a hip, resting her other hand on it as it jutted out in her signature stance. Still, not a word left her unsmiling mouth.

He’d rehearsed this moment in his mind since they left Crow’s Nest. No, ever since he’d made this ridiculous plan with Detective O’Connor, his nemesis-turned-partner. Though if this didn’t work, the man beside him might have to arrest him, as he had surely dreamed of doing the last few years. Buck could picture the older man’s bushy mustache twitching in glee as he secured Buck’s wrists in cuffs.

“Did you have something to say?” Carrie spoke firmly, neutrally, showing the skills that made him first admire her. Her gaze took in his companion but focused on him. “Or are you going to stand here in a daze until supper?”

“I need your help.” Dunderhead. Those were not the first words he’d planned. Beside him, O’Connor sighed.

The index finger of Carrie’s right hand bounced against her belt, the only sign he’d caught her off guard. “The girls think I should slam the door in your face.”

“I deserve it.”

She huffed and threw the door closed.

“Your eloquence leaves something to be desired,” O’Connor growled.

Buck cringed. But before his brain engaged, Carrie flung it open again. “Get your posteriore in here, Wilson. And shut the door.” She spun on her heels, leaving him gaping on her front step and O’Connor laughing like a crazy old man.

Caroline Wagoneer had used those exact words the first day they met over six years ago.

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About the Author

Danielle Grandinetti is an award-winning inspirational romance author fueled by tea and books. As a FHLCW Reader’s Choice and Selah Award Finalist, she mixes romance, suspense, and history to bring her stories to life. Originally from the Chicagoland area, she now lives along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline with her husband and their two young sons.

Connect with Danielle at daniellegrandinetti.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each win a paperback copy of Confessions to a Stranger, a Crow's Nest tote bag, and a Crow's Nest Journal!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 19, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 26, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Book Spotlight: The Darkness Deepens by Sara Davison

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Darkness Deepens by Sara Davison, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Darkness Deepens
Series: The Day Draws Near #2
Author: Sara Davison
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: November 15, 2024
Genre: Dystopian Romantic Suspense

Their secrets protect them... but secrets are hard to keep. 

No one in the army can find out that Captain Jesse Christensen has become a believer. He and bookstore owner Meryn O’Reilly are forced to meet in secret, facing imprisonment—or worse—if they are found together. 

As their relationship deepens, so does Lieutenant Gallagher’s hatred for the Christians in their city, putting all believers, especially Jesse, in extreme danger. 

Meryn wants to give her heart to Jesse fully, but her past holds her back. Although circumstances conspire to keep her silent, she needs to tell him her secret so nothing will stand between them anymore. 

 But when he finds out what she has been keeping from him, nothing will ever be the same.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

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Also Available

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Excerpt

Jesse massaged his neck with one hand. He’d assumed the lists wouldn’t go out until the morning. If Caleb didn’t know Jesse as well as he did, he’d have sent the lists off and someone would probably have already figured out that three of the bracelets were missing. He’d come that close to being discovered, and he hadn’t had any idea. “I guess I owe you one.”

Caleb snorted. “One? I’ve lost count of how many you owe me, my friend, but I do know it will take you several lifetimes to pay me back.”

“At least you’ve bought me a little more time to try.”

“Make it count.” He crossed an ankle over a knee. “How is she?”

“Meryn? She’s good.” Jesse studied the flickering flames in the fireplace. “Not crazy about having to put that bracelet on. Still, she didn’t think twice about it when she heard the alternative.”

“That doesn’t surprise me. Those bracelets will separate the people who truly believe what they say they do from the ones who don’t. From what I know of Meryn, her faith is deeply real to her.”

“Yes, it is. And her friends are the same. They didn’t hesitate to put them on, either.”

“Would you?”

“Not for a second.”

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About the Author

Sara Davison is the author of five romantic suspense series as well as the standalone, The Watcher. A finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, including the Christy Award, Davison is a Holt Medallion, Cascade, and two-time Carol Award winner for romantic suspense. She lives in Ontario with her husband, Michael. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason.

Connect with Sara at saradavison.org to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a paperback copy of The Darkness Deepens plus a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 18, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 25, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Book Review: The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar

About the Book:

In the heart of ancient Persia, the empire's Jewish citizens face an ominous edict that threatens their very existence. Roxannah, the daughter of an impoverished Persian lord, is devastated by the news but feels helpless to come to the aid of her Jewish friends. Desperate to support her family, Roxannah approaches the royal physician, Adin--the man whose kind eyes haunt her--and seeks his help to find employment in Queen Esther's kitchens.

In the opulent palace of Susa, Roxannah tries to survive the spiteful ploys of the other cooks as she ascends through the ranks. Her loyalty earns her the trust and friendship of Queen Esther, who is navigating dangerous politics with wisdom and grace. When Roxannah and Adin uncover a sinister plot against Amestris, the king's most powerful wife and Esther's archenemy, they find themselves tasked with the impossible job of discovering the culprit. As secrets unravel and alliances are tested, the fate of Esther's reign hangs in the balance.

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My Thoughts:

The Queen’s Cook read like classic Tessa Afshar, which is to say… it was a thoroughly entertaining novel with romance, truth, and beautiful themes. From the start, Afshar’s prose flowed easily as it unpacked information. Her writing felt confident and was crafted so that the scenes always moved the story forward in some way. Like Roxannah creating her pistachio cake, Afshar deftly added the ingredients of historical details, longshot romance, delectable meals, palace intrigue, character growth, and spiritual truths to create a five-star reading experience.

To elaborate on the elements in The Queen’s Cook, I’ll start with the historical setting. Roxannah’s noble status and experiences in Esther’s royal kitchen richly depicted the Persian court under Xerxes, an environment where palace intrigue swirled amid every level of social status. As Roxannah and Adin were drawn into the mystery and danger, they faced underhanded workers in the kitchen, a cunning wife of Xerxes, and power dynamics among the royal court. Quite a perilous blend.

As expected, The Queen’s Cook included culinary delights. I found the exotic dishes interesting even for a non-foodie like me. Naturally, food played a part in establishing and perpetuating the romance between Adin and Roxannah. I enjoyed Adin’s kind and thoughtful treatment of Roxannah despite the hard issues between them. It was lovely to watch their romance unfold.  

Being raised in Persian nobility, Roxannah showed herself to be morally upright, loyal, and clever, but she did not devote herself to any deity. Even so, Afshar weaved in spiritual themes as Roxannah’s past trauma and current circumstances moved her toward knowing the Lord’s mercy and love. Roxannah’s faith journey felt genuine, and I loved that her faith served to make her stronger.

The Queen’s Cook by Tessa Afshar commenced her new series, Queen Esther’s Court. Though the novel felt complete and held a satisfying ending, Esther’s secret scrolls cleverly tie the series together. I am eager for the next novel. Five stars for The Queen’s Cook.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

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Preorder/Purchase Links:

As of right now, Baker Book house has the best preorder price at 40% off retail and free shipping, but other options are included here.

Amazon│Baker Book House│Indie Bound│Christianbook│Barnes & Noble│Books-a-Million

Book Spotlight: A Truth Revealed by Tracie Peterson

About the Book:

In the midst of darkness, only faith and love can illuminate their path forward.

Laura Evans, a spirited young woman with a deep-rooted faith in God, returns home from college to her father--unaware of his dark secrets. Determined to live by her faith while respecting her father's contrasting views, Laura's world shifts when she crosses paths with a devoted preacher.

Wilson Porter is driven by a calling to work with the Shoshone people but faces constant delays from government officials. Then tragedy strikes, shaking his faith and causing him to question everything he once believed. As Will and Laura's tentative friendship grows into something more, they are ensnared in a web of dark secrets and injustices. Together, they're confronted with a daunting question: Will their shattered lives leave them with an uncertain path forward--or can love withstand it all?

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About the Author:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling author of more than one hundred novels, both historical and contemporary, with more than six million copies sold. She has won the ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award and the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. Her avid research resonates in her many bestselling series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. Learn more at TraciePeterson.com.

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Book Review: Across the Ages by Gabrielle Meyer

About the Book:

Caroline holds a deep secret. Living in 1727 and 1927 simultaneously, each night she goes to sleep in one life and wakes up in the other. In search of answers to her unique existence, Caroline stumbles upon a letter from her mother hinting at her own experiences as a time-crosser, sending Caroline on a daring quest to uncover the truth. In 1727, Caroline disguises herself as a cabin boy and joins a ship sailing for the Bahamas, her mother's last known location, where she crosses paths with a ruthless but handsome pirate and is caught in a web of secrets, deception, and unexpected alliances.

In 1927 St. Paul, Minnesota, Caroline grapples with her other life as the daughter of a renowned preacher. Her two older brothers have fallen prey to the corruption rampant during Prohibition, and Caroline struggles to keep their involvement hidden to save her father's career. As her search for answers about her time-crossing leads her to the dangerous yet exciting world of speakeasies, Caroline enlists the help of a childhood friend who is now a police officer. But with her family's future at risk and their loyalties tested, Caroline faces a life-altering decision that could reshape her destiny.

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My Thoughts:

Across the Ages by Gabrielle Meyer was hard to put down. The story grabbed my attention from the beginning as it immediately dropped me straight into Caroline’s world and her issues. As the plot progressed, I found myself favoring the 1727 timeline. I had to know what would happen, and I stayed up quite late flipping the pages.

In both timelines of Across the Ages, Caroline faced challenging circumstances that connected strongly with the novel’s themes and advanced her character development. For example, Caroline questioned if she had been cursed from birth. (There was a backstory that led her to the idea.) As the plot unfolded, this lie disintegrated in the light of the truth. Other themes in the story included wanting to control the choices of others, finding redemption, and the craving for a quiet, but meaningful life. For me, the themes were a favorite story element and added a pleasing depth to the story. I also enjoyed the romance and historical details.

Across the Ages lands as book four in the Timeless series by Gabrielle Meyer. I recommend starting with book one (When the Day Comes) and reading through the novels in order as family connections tie into each book. Each installment in the series has been a four or five star read, including Across the Ages to which I give five stars. May there be many more books in this series!

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

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About the Author:

Gabrielle Meyer (GabrielleMeyer.com) is an ECPA bestselling author. She has worked for state and local historical societies and loves writing fiction inspired by real people, places, and events. She currently resides along the banks of the Mississippi River in central Minnesota with her husband and four children. By day, she's a busy homeschool mom, and by night she pens fiction and nonfiction filled with hope.

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Book Spotlight: The Paris Portrait by Heidi Eljarbo

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Paris Portrait by Heidi Eljarbo, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Paris Portrait
Series: A Fabiola Bennett Mystery #3
Author: Heidi Eljarbo
Publisher: Independently published
Release Date: November 12, 2024
Genre: Historical Mystery, Dual Timeline, Fiction

Fabiola stumbles upon a clue that indicates a royal portrait went missing almost two hundred years ago. Is this true, or is there substance to the rumor?  

Paris, France, 1973. 
After an enjoyable but dusty road trip, Fabiola and her friends, Pippa and Cary, arrive in a small village on the outskirts of Paris to spend a few days with Fabiola’s brother Eivind and his family. 

On their first evening there, Eivind shows Fabiola an ancient recipe book he bought at an auction. The book is filled with old writing, and he asks Fabiola to decipher the pages. After the others have gone to bed, she spends hours reading and is gripped by the last pages that have nothing to do with recipes for baked goods and stews. Certain the author was a famous portrait artist at the time of the French Revolution, Fabiola and her friends set out on a treacherous investigation, dodging murderers and thieves to learn the truth.  

Versailles, France, 1789.
Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun— portraitist and close friend of the extravagant queen of France, Marie Antoinette—has already painted thirty portraits of the queen. Her contemporaries compare her to the old Dutch masters, calling her one of the greatest portrait painters of her time. 

But outside on the streets, Paris is becoming more perilous with every day that passes. Madame Le Brun would be a fool to think the rumors of a revolution will pass, and aristocratic life will continue as before. 

Amid the turmoil, she paints one final portrait of Marie Antoinette, knowing well her association with the queen could cause her to be arrested or executed. As chaos and riots in Paris turn to violence, Madame Le Brun flees with her young daughter, hoping her royal friend and the portrait will be safe.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

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More Books in This Series

 

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Excerpt from the 1789 Chapters

As she stood in the queen’s salon in the Palace of Versailles, a surge of pride went through her. Being a female artist had its challenges. Stiff-necked men ran the Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture. The members of the Parisian art academy studied figure and anatomy by painting naked male models, and women artists were not allowed. Despite her talent, it took years before Élisabeth was admitted to the program. Even being invited to exhibit her paintings in the academy’s Salon had been problematic. Very few women were allowed to show their works there, and to make matters worse, her husband was a prolific art dealer—a conflict that made the academy shut their doors to her pictures. She’d wrung her mind, trying to find a way in. The Salon teemed with art critics and connoisseurs, and potential patrons and future buyers frequented the place. But when news of Élisabeth’s extraordinary talent had come to the queen’s ear, she’d been invited to the queen’s apartment in the Palace of Versailles.

“You will paint my portrait,” the queen had said with a slight Austrian accent. “I must appear majestic, powerful, and lavish.”

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About the Author

Heidi Eljarbo grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy creativity. She is the author of historical novels filled with courage, hope, mystery, adventure, and sweet romance during challenging times. She’s been named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of past centuries.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She lives with her husband on a charming island and enjoys walking in any kind of weather, hugging her grandchildren, and has a passion for art and history. 

Her family’s chosen retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summer and ski the vast white terrain during winter. 

Heidi’s favorites are her family, God's beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.

Connect with Heidi by visiting HeidiEljarbo.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon giftcard + a paperback of one Fabiola Bennett Mystery of your choice!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 12, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 19, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No shipping restrictions. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!